The effect of the novel streptogramin antibiotic quinupristin/dalfopristin
(synercid) on cytokine production in vitro was examined in monocytes obtain
ed from healthy human volunteers and stimulated with either lipopolysacchar
ide or heat-killed Staphylococcus aureus (Pansorbin), Synercid at concentra
tions that are achievable in humans (1, 5, and 10 mu g/mL) significantly su
ppressed production of interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-10, gr
anulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and tumor necrosis factor-o
r in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, synercid possesses significant
immunomodulatory activity, in addition to its antimicrobial activity.